Mardi Gras Hanoi 2017 Media release

AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS HANOI’S FIRST MARDI GRAS FESTIVAL

The Australian Embassy in Vietnam is pleased to announce a series of exciting events bringing the spirit of the famous Sydney Mardi Gras Festival to Hanoi for the first time!

Get involved through our competitions – “Road to Mardi Gras”, an online story-telling contest and “Colours of Mardi Gras”, a costume contest for members of LGBT communities in Vietnam – which will run from 18 February to 24 March.

Two lucky entrants will win tickets to the 2018 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival! The best stories and costumes will be on display at the main event.

The main celebration will be held on 24 March at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi. As well as the story exhibition and fashion show, the event will showcase memorable moments of the 2017 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, with lively musical performances by both Vietnamese and Australian artists.

“Promoting gender equality is a top priority for both the Vietnamese and Australian Governments and we are proud to support Vietnam’s efforts, including through our development cooperation program here. Through this event, we hope to bring the spirit of Sydney’s famous Mardi Gras to Vietnam, helping to raise awareness about the rights of LGBT people,” said HE Mr Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for my organization and other NGOs to cooperate with the Australian Embassy on gender equality. Hanoi Mardi Gras Festival is not simply a fun celebration but also a very meaningful event of diversity and self-expression for the LGBT community,” said Vu Kieu Oanh, founder of LGBT Community Development Center 6+ and a representative of LGBT community in Vietnam.

Sydney’s Mardi Gras is among the most famous and well-loved annual celebrations of LGBT communities across the globe. Running since 1978, it has achieved an iconic status as a statement of pride and a platform to promote the broad message of diversity and acceptance. With this year’s theme of “Creating Equality”, the Mardi Gras promises to bring not only colourful and dazzling performances, but also promote a world where everyone is treated fairly regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, race, belief, age, ability and social status.